Gov. Eric Greitens on Thursday announced the appointment of the Carrolton Republican as the next Associate Circuit Judge for Carroll County. He replaces the Honorable Kevin Walden, whom Greitens appointed to the Circuit Court.

McGaugh has served as a state representative for District 39 since 2012, serving Carroll, Chariton and Ray Counties.

In that time, he’s been a strong proponent on legal issues, particularly in the area of tort reform, most notably putting his experience and knowledge to work this past session, aiding the passage of SB 31, the collateral source bill. For his legislative efforts, McGaugh was also named as one of the Legislators of the Year for 2017 by the Missouri Times Magazine.

McGaugh

In addition to his legislative work, McGaugh also serves as the principal attorney of his law office, McGaugh Law Offices LLC, and before starting his own law firm, he served as the City Attorney and City Prosecutor for Carrollton.

“Representative Joe Don McGaugh has distinguished himself as a dedicated public servant for the people of Carroll County,” Greitens said. “I am excited to appoint him to the bench.”

McGaugh, a lifelong resident of Carrollton, is a member of the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattleman’s Association, the Carrollton Lions Club, and the Carrollton United Methodist Church. He received his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri and his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Greitens is expected to call a special election for the seat in February.

Benjamin Peters is a reporter for the Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine, and also produces the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined the Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield. To contact Benjamin, email benjamin@themissouritimes.com or follow him on Twitter @BenjaminDPeters.

Benjamin Peters is a reporter for the Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine, and also produces the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined the Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield. To contact Benjamin, email benjamin@themissouritimes.com or follow him on Twitter @BenjaminDPeters.